This is the remarkable story of three men, from one town, with the shared dream of Olympic rowing glory in China.
For the past 18 months, BBC Sport Northern Ireland’s Season Ticket has been following the progress of oarsmen Alan Campbell, Richard Chambers and Richard Archibald - all from Coleraine and all former students at Coleraine Inst, on a journey that has taken them from Bann to Beijing.
With unrivalled access and candid personal diary footage, the documentary charts the incredible struggle to qualify for the Olympics.Alan competes in the single scull event for Great Britain, the two Richards race against each other in the Lightweight four, Richard Chambers for Great Britain and Richard Archibald for Ireland.
Northern Ireland has not produced an Olympic medallist since 1992 when boxer Wayne McCullough won silver at the Games in Barcelona. The last individual gold was Mary Peters in 1972.
In 2008, all three oarsmen are considered candidates to join this elite group. Alan won the World Cup in his event two years ago and has matured as a contender in rowing’s hardest discipline. Richard Chambers, at 23 the youngest of the trio, is dealing with life as a world champion in only his second season as a senior. Richard Archibald, in his final year in the sport, is back in the form that took bronze in the 2006 World Championships.
He’s hungry to end his career on the top step of the podium in China. “The only reason to go is to go and win it,” said Richard Archibald. “That’s why we’ve got to this stage because we’re not happy settling for second best.” Bann to Beijing also reflects the sacrifices made by all three men and the impact their total commitment has on family and friends.
Viewers will also be staggered by the incredible levels of fitness required and the total dedication to their sport. One day off each month, training on endurance - From the Bann to Beijing is an insight into just what it takes to be an Olympian in this most demanding of sports.
“This has been a long, long hard journey, I’ve worked very, very hard and I’m not going to have any regrets,” explained Alan. Richard Chambers, who will be making his Olympic debut, said of their shared connection with Coleraine: ”It’s pretty spectacular - three boys from the same town, all going to the Olympic Games in the same year and in the same event. Two of us are even in the same event.”
Season Ticket Special: Bann to Beijing is narrated by Nikki Gregg and is on Wednesday, August 6 on BBC One Northern Ireland at 10.45pm.